Arts Council puts mystery in masterpieces

These are some of the miniature works of art by local artists that will be included in the Arts Council of Wayne County's Mystery Masterpieces fundraiser, which will be held Oct. 4.

The identities of local artists who are doing about 200 miniature works of art are being kept a secret for now. But the mystery will be over Oct. 4 as the Arts Council of Wayne County reveals who dun it.

It's part of the organization's fundraising event, Mystery Masterpieces.

"This is our second year of doing this event," said Arts Council director Sarah Merritt. "It was really successful last year."

The premise is simple, but fun: You buy a ticket for one masterpiece at $30 or two at $50. Then the night of the event, you turn it in for a number that matches one of the masterpieces, but you won't know which one is yours until the number is revealed.

"We number the masterpieces randomly," Mrs. Merritt said. "And the numbers are not visible. So it's very random

"It's very fun, just like Christmas. People got really excited last year because they didn't know what they were going to get."

The night of the event, all of the miniature masterpieces will be on display.

The Arts Council has given out 6-inch by 6-inch canvases to local artists, including young art students. They can create whatever they want on the canvas.

Mrs. Merritt said last year, some of the artists did three dimensional creations on the canvases and some incorporated clay.

"It's really interesting to see how the artists work with them and make their own thing," she said. "Last year, every masterpiece was different from the rest, and every one was so beautiful."

Mrs. Merritt said when you get your masterpiece, you will also get information about the artists.

"The artists are more than happy to lend us their talents to create the masterpieces. And because it's so small, you can hang your masterpiece anywhere, put it on a bookshelf or even give it as a Christmas or birthday present."

Proceeds from Mystery Masterpieces will be used for Arts Council programs.

Mrs. Merritt said the fundraiser could potentially bring in around $7,000. That's what last year's event raised.

The fundraiser runs in conjunction with First Friday, which is from 5 to 7 p.m. that same day. It will feature live music by local musician and saxophonist Willie Dupree, who will play jazz music and refreshments. Visitors will have the chance to talk with the Arts Council's studio artists and take a peek at two new exhibits. And they can also help create another Jackson Pollock-style abstract, which will be hung outside the Arts Council.

You don't need a ticket to go to First Friday or Mystery Masterpieces. You need a ticket only if you want to purchase a miniature masterpiece.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Arts Council at 919-736-3300 or stopping by 102 N. John St. You can also take a chance on buying your ticket at the door, but they may be all sold out by then, Mrs. Merritt said. And you don't have to be at the event to get your masterpiece if you purchased a ticket.